Yala Peak climbing is a straight forward climb with stunning scenery and an impeccable introduction to Himalayan mountain climbing. Any physically fit person can summit Yala Peak (with proper acclimatization) in a cautious way to have a right alpine peak experience, even for those without any previous climbing experience. Yala Peak is not technically demanding but it is high at 5500 meters which you will feel the lower levels of oxygen and the extra energy being used up, and you are of course open to the elements. You need to take care of your hydration and maintain a slow manageable pace. Yala Peak is the smallest of all the trekking peaks in Nepal and can be done in the shortest time, while still at a pace to allow proper acclimatization.
Here, we have discussed each and everything you need to be aware of and prepared for before beginning your journey to Yala Peak in the Langtang Himalaya of Nepal.
Yala Peak Climbing Facts
Region: Langtang Region, Nepal
Trip Style: Lodges and Tea Houses, 1 day camping at Yala Peak Base Camp
No. of Days: 12 Days
Trip Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Total Distance: 77 Km (48 miles)
Maximum Elevation: Yala Peak Summit (5550 m)
Starting Point: Syabru besi
Ending Point: Syabru besi
Best Months to Plan your Trip: March to May & September to November
Major Highlights:
safe introductory peak for novice mountaineers
surreal panoramic view of Langtang Lirung, Yansa Tsenji, Shishapangma, Morimoto, Langshisa Ri and other snowy peaks
wonderful trek through the Langtang valley
trek with our experienced local Sherpa guides
experience Tibetan-like culture and traditions
Yala Peak Climbing Trekking Route:
Our Yala Peak Climbing trail begins from Syabru besi (1505m), after an amazing 9 hour (approx.) drive from Kathmandu that follows the twisting Trishuli River gorge. The trek starts in sub-tropical forests and as soon as it climbs higher into the Langtang Valley, the forests grow thinner and the valley widens. Moving a little higher, we reach Kyanjing Gompa (3740m), place named after an ancient monastery. There are many chortens along the trail and it is our practice to walk from the left hand side. We spend an extra day to acclimatize gives us time to explore the Langshisa glacier or climb to Kyanjin Ri (4350m) for more amazing views of the snow-capped mountains. We can visit monasteries and cheese factory in the nearby. From there we head to Yala Peak Base camp.
The trail to Yala Peak Base Camp (4800m) is not too difficult and there are beautiful views on the way. Just above from base camp, we can see the rocky south face of Yala Peak and the Yala Glacier on the south-west face. From Base Camp, we make our pitch for the summit which will be more difficult if there is snow. The trail ascends to a rocky ridge, and then drops and ascends steeply on boulders. There is a flat area before the final 40m of vertical snow/rock cliff leading to the narrow summit ridge. The view from the summit is simply amazing as we eye witness the magical Mt. Langtang Lirung (7234m) to the west, Yansa Tsenji (6500m) a mountain on the Nepal-Tibet border, Shishapangma (8013m) in Tibet Morimoto Peak (6750m) and Langshisa Ri (6800m) to the east.
Our standard Yala Peak Climbing itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu –Syabru Besi
Day 03: Trek to Lama Hotel
Day 04: Trek to Langtang
Day 05: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa
Day 06: Rest day in Kyanjin Gompa
Day 07: Trek to Yala Peak Base Camp
Day 08: Summit Yala Peak (5,550 m) and descend to Kyanjin Gompa
Day 09: Trek to Lama Hotel
Day 10: Trek to Syabru besi
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 12: Happy Departure
What to expect during Yala Peak climbing?
Undoubtedly, Yala Peak climbing trekking trails leads you over some of the most exquisite and delightful landscapes of the Langtang region that Nepal has to offer. Beginning your adventure from rich green sub-tropical forests, and agricultural areas to isolated and wide opened rocky terrains, expect to be challenged both physically and mentally. Depending upon the season you choose to trek, the lower elevation trekking trails can be wet, muddy, slippery, rocky, and dusty and sometimes covered with snow above 3000 meters. Still, it’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions. Most of the villages in this region are admirably graced and adorned with flapping colorful prayer flags, chortens and pristine monasteries as the villages in this region are highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. To conclude, Yala Peak climbing in Langtang region is simply amazing rewarding a wide variety of diversified culture, local people (mostly Tamang) and their lifestyle and witnessing ever changing scenery and landscapes every single day during Yala Peak climbing.
Best Time to Begin Yala Peak Climbing:
Yala Peak Climbing is doable throughout the year. Selecting a season and month to explore the Langtang region requires you to consider a few important things like temperatures, rainfall and weather conditions in general. However, to be more precise, autumn (September - November) is the ideal period to do the Yala Peak Climbing. This post monsoon period is generally the peak season for trekking in Nepal. Following autumn, spring season (March – May) is also a great period to do this climb. During these seasons (autumn and spring), the weather and temperature condition mostly remains substantial and calm at Langtang region and offers more moderate weather and better hiking and climbing conditions. Winter climbing is also possible but need to be careful with your packing list and weather conditions can get severe during winter season.
Permits Required for Yala Peak Climbing
Yala Peak being one of the free peaks, climbing permit is not needed for the climb. Still, you will need the Langtang National Park Permits which we will take from the Army check post and TIMS permit, which is required for the trekkers to trek into the Langtang Area.
Difficulty Level:
Yala Peak at an elevation of 5550 meters, is considered to be one of the easiest peaks to summit in Nepal. Any physically fit person can safely summit Yala Peak. The route to the top is mostly scrambling on the rocky path all the way and the final ascent to the summit is fairly straightforward.
Yala Peak climbing begins from Kyanjin Gompa in which the trail then climbs steeply up on the hill to Tsergo RI and follows halfway. From here, the trail separates off to the left which still climbs up and takes you to the immensely beautiful pasture (Base Camp) where we set our tent for staying overnight. Next day, the adventure starts off early in the morning when the trail traverses uphill through the rough and rocky trail to the summit of our final destination, Yala peak.
Food and Water:
Meals in the Himalaya mostly consist of a diet rich in carbohydrates because our bodies do not process fat and protein efficiently at higher elevations. Meals (Dinner and Breakfast) are consumed at the teahouses and lodges where you stay overnight and lunch will be eaten somewhere on the way to next destination at a lodge or a teahouse. Typical Nepalese meal (Rice, Daal, and Curry) is available throughout the Langtang region which is considered as the perfect combo of Nepalese meal as it is fresh, healthy and rich in calories making it the finest choice to choose from the Menu along the trekking trail en route to Yala Peak. We recommend keeping it vegetarian at higher elevations to avoid the dangers of meat gone wrong. However, you can enjoy meat with your lunch or dinner at lower elevations as they are fresh and farmed in most of the lodges. The food will be simple but energetic and enough which is important for nourishing your body for the next day’s trek. Beverages like beer, soft drinks, bakery, tea and coffee are available throughout the trail and its price increases gradually with the rise in altitude.
We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring water purification tablets/liquid to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water at guesthouses. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose the plastic bottles properly, so we encourage our guests to do what they can to protect the environment.
Accommodation during Yala Peak Climbing:
Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.
During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome!
During the climbing period, Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions supply all camping equipment and meals. Three hot meals per day will be served; breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee and boiled water. The meals will be tasty and hygienic. On summit day we provide a packed lunch of high calorie foods that are easily eaten at high altitude. As well as your Sherpa guide there will be a team of porters to carry the camping gear and set up tents and a well- trained cook.
Travel Insurance is Must:
It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into nature for trekking and climbing. Not just Yala Peak Climbing, but you need a travel insurance to do any trekking or climbing in the Himalaya of Nepal. Before beginning the Yala Peak Climb, make sure your insurance covers high-altitude evacuations as accidents may happen and people need to be evacuated if they experience serious altitude sickness or other unforeseen contingencies during your trek. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment during your time in Nepal. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Yala Peak Climbing goes over the elevation of 5,000 meters; which is why the policy should also cover the trek that goes over 5,000m. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.
What to Pack for Yala Peak Climbing?
“There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” - Alfred Wainwright
Are you planning your dream trip to the Himalaya of Nepal? Make sure you have packed well for your hiking, trekking and climbing experiences in Nepal. The time period of your visit also determines your packing list. The best trekking seasons for beginning your Yala Peak Climbing are spring and autumn. During these seasons, maximum flow of trekkers can be witnessed. Weather during spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are likely to be mild with clear blue sky and outstanding mountain views. But nights can get freezing cold at higher elevation. So, packing appropriate clothing, gear, and equipments for your Yala Peak climbing is a must for lifetime memorable trekking and climbing experience in Langtang region of Nepal.
A strategically way of packing will be keeping in mind that your stuffs will be packed in two bags. One will be the daypack that you carry every day on your trek. Pack your daypack as light as possible by carrying only the essentials so that you can relish your moments in wilderness freely. Pack anything you may need each day during your hike in your daypack. Other bag will be your duffle bag which will be carried by your Porter from the very beginning of your trek till the end.
Here is the Link for what to pack for Yala Peak Climbing in Nepal.
